If you’ve worked in several organizations over the course of your career, you probably know the difference between a positive work environment and a negative one. Often the reason for the negative space can be summed up to the quality of relationships within the organization. After all, the most valuable aspect of any business, company, or organization is the people. It pays (literally) to foster a positive work environment and create healthy work relationships.
So, how can you create better work relationships?
- Make Time For Connection
Schedule time for connecting with others on a daily basis (and I don’t mean for gossiping, no matter how enticing it is). Schedule lunch or coffee (tea is even better!) dates with key stakeholders, clients, customers, and colleagues. Set five minute calendar entries to stop by a colleague’s office or desk to say hello and wish them good luck on their next project or meeting.
- Set Clear Boundaries
Make sure to set and manage boundaries appropriately- all of us want to have friends at work, but sometimes those friendships can impact our jobs, especially when the friendship or colleague starts to monopolize our time.
If this happens, be direct and assertive in communicating your boundaries. Take some time to determine how much of your work day can be allocated to social interactions.
- Stay Positive
I’m sure you have worked with a person who lights up a room with their positive energy, words, and body language. Be that person. Nobody likes working with someone who is negative all the time. Be authentic, of course, but strive to see the positive side of your experience no matter how challenging. Positivity is attractive and contagious, and it will help strengthen your work relationships.
- Listen More, Talk Less
Focus on listening more than you talk and you’ll soon be seen as someone who can be trusted. Practice active listening with colleagues, clients, and partners. People respond well to those who truly listen to what they have to say. When you spend time together, ask high-mileage questions to get to know each other better and find common interests.
- Practice Appreciation
Show your appreciation whenever someone helps you regardless how small the gesture. Everyone you encounter, from the CEO to the office cleaning staff, wants their work to be appreciated. Be genuine with your compliments and take time to write a handwritten thank you note whenever possible.
Challenging Relationships
Occasionally, you’ll have to work with someone you don’t like or someone you don’t connect with. Give this relationship extra attention and try to find some common ground. Invite this person to lunch and learn more about their background and interests. Often learning more about a person can help us understand them better. You may not be best friends with everyone, but you can keep the relationship respectful and productive.
The Bottom Line
We all have to apply the same rules at work that you we do in our personal lives when it comes to relating to others. Good relationships involve trust, mutual respect, and open communication. If we focus on these key values, we will be on the right track and will lead others by our example.
Bio
Angela Watson Robertson, MBA, is a former financial services sales executive turned holistic health coach and wellness entrepreneur who teaches you how to live an authentic and balanced life. Find her free recipes, wellness tips, health coaching programs, and online nutrition programs at www.angelawatsonrobertson.com.
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